Posts from Outdoor Space

When Soffia's family moved into this house in Alftanes, Iceland six years ago she dreamed of transforming this small shed into a playhouse for her daughter and son. The shed, and her plans, lay fallow for years until recently when she harnessed her creative energies and unleashed them onto what she calls a "small slice of heaven" for her kids.

Nothing makes me want to avoid the outdoors in summer more than mosquitoes. Which is a darn shame, considering those warmer, more casual nights are the perfect time to invite folks over to enjoy a dinner party outdoors. And of course, mosquitoes aren't the only bugs out to ruin your good time. Here are our favorite ways of keeping bugs out of your outdoor areas.

Having an outdoor space is almost like having a mini vacation locale just outside your door. It's a place for a change of scene, a spot to "get away from it all," even if it's just for a few minutes with only a cup of coffee for company. (Hey, that's a vacation for me!) This outdoor haven, one of our favorite outdoor spaces of 2013, fits perfectly into its surroundings and offers the serenity necessary for a respite. Check out our budget-friendly finds to recreate its welcoming, cheery look.

Did you catch our post last weekend that talked about how to create (or boost) atmosphere? Atmosphere — that feeling of a rich, comfortable, stylish home that you never want to leave — isn't just for interiors. Your outdoor area is an extension of your living area and deserves a boost to its atmosphere, too. Here are some ideas on how to make your outdoor area feel as inviting as your living room.

It's summer — time to get outside and enjoy the season! Time to enjoy that whole extra living room that is your own yard! Now, I don't have my own outdoor space, but I was raised by an avid gardener and general outdoor enthusiast. He's also an overall spare-no-expense, let's just get the "nicest" one kind of guy, except when it comes to his outdoor space.

Garbage bins are often an afterthought on the exterior of our homes. Whether you're living in an apartment building or a single-family house, bins are usually an eyesore that we've learned to ignore. But why not screen them in an aesthetically pleasing way? Here are five ideas that are much nicer looking than the norm:

I hope you don't mind, but my posts have been inspired lately by my own DIY and to-do list. Right now it's all about my patio. I've always loved the sound of wind chimes, and think they are perfect for an outdoor oasis. Here are ten examples of great looking (and sounding) wind chimes you can buy, or make yourself.